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GroundSounds recently caught up with The Get Down Boys to discuss how they formed, their love of bluegrass, and their album Girls.
GS: You guys are from all over the US..how did you meet and end up in LA?
GDB: We formed after individually moving to LA after studying music (&bluegrass) at Berklee College of Music in Boston. We put the band together after getting a weekly “house-band” opportunity in Malibu and progressed to bars, weddings, and festivals after that.
What first attracted you to bluegrass music and who are some of your biggest influences?
We all LOVE bluegrass. Real, traditional, bluegrass. Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Brothers…. and also newer (1970’s) bands like Tony Rice Unit, Hot Rize & Seldom Scene. That’s where we’re coming from. We also draw inspiration from newer post-grass bands like Punch Brothers and Infamous Stringdusters.
Tell us about your debut album Girls. What was your writing process like for the album and what was your main goal for it?
Girls is our first trek into songwriting. The songs were written by Andy Keathley, lead singer and guitarist, and each represent a different girl, fictional or non. The lone instrumental song on the album “Flatfoot Alice” was written by banjo player, Matt Bruer.
Is there a song from the album that stands out as a favorite?
“Bluegrass Girl” Is probably the “title tack” but “She plays a fiddle” and “Catch me from fallin” are fan favorties.
What was it like to play with Ed Helms and John C. Reilly?
We love Ed Helms and John C Reilly. they’re nice guys and each have an undeniable dedication to the music. although they’re known for being funny-men, there’s nothing comical about their passion for representing American bluegrass and roots music in it’s purest forms.
When did you decide to play weddings? What is your most memorable wedding performance?
We got into weddings pretty early. It’s just kind of a perfect fit, bluegrass. It’s appealing to all ages, literally from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between. Our most memorable wedding moments take place at celebrity weddings (of which there are many in Southern California and is a common GDB occurrence)/ There was the time Larry David was the best-man and John Hamm, Tony Hale & Judge Judy each complimented the band. But probably the most memorable moment was at the wedding of Donald Faison (Scrubs, Clueless) and Cacee Cobb. It was at actor Zach Braff’s House (he was the best man and gave an oscar-worthy toast) and singer Jessica Simpson was the maid of honor, prefacing her toast with “Give it up for The Get Down Boys! Those guys are awesome.” People Magazine Article
You’re currently in the middle of a series of festival performances. How have they been going so far and what are your touring plans this fall and winter?
Festival season is upon us. This is our 4th summer season and we’ve had good performances at Grass Valley Bluegrass Festival, Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, Big Bear Bluegrass Festival, and we’re excited to travel to Saskatoon, Canada in August to teach and perform at the Northern Lights Bluegrass Camp & Festival (our first trip outside the US!) We’re also performing in a play that runs 7/22-8/2 for kids at the Hollywood Bowl, in character, as The Get Down Boys. http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/education/summersounds
Where can readers stay updated with you?
Our website has lots of music, links & contact info. we’re very active on our social media sites like facebook, twitter, youtube & instagram.
